The Chicago Bears understand by this point in their existence that there’s no such thing as an “easy” schedule in the NFL. Winning games in this league is tough. It requires hard work and more than a little luck. Last season showed how quickly things can turn on a team. So now the Bears are gearing up with a lot on the line. Most believe there is a window open thanks to the strength of their defense. Can they somehow get the quarterback position settled down enough to complement it?
Based on the latest data emerging from the schedule release, it appears there will be an opportunity. Most experts don’t expect much from the Bears this year. Record predictions tend to hover around 9-7 at best or 6-10 at worst. While belief remains in the defense, it’s felt GM Ryan Pace didn’t do enough to improve the offense. However, the saving grace is the start of their schedule. The first seven games of this season will be against teams that did not make the playoffs in 2020.
Marc Sessler of NFL.com believes this can work hugely in their favor.
“I’m unconvinced the Bears are playoff material, but I don’t despise their schedule. Chicago is set up for a solid start with games against the Lions, Giants and Falcons out of the gate. Instead of visiting ice-cold Green Bay in Week 17, the Bears will grapple with the Packers at Soldier Field.”
It doesn’t end there.
Brian McDonald of ESPN pointed out that the Bears’ schedule is also quite generous in terms of travel. They don’t have to fly a lot of miles and won’t face a lot of stretches with back-to-back road games. Last but not least, Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis pointed out that the Bears offense will face some weak pass defenses to start the year. A prime opportunity to get their quarterback of choice in a groove early.
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Chicago Bears don’t lack the motivation to do well
If there’s one thing this team doesn’t have to worry about, it’s a sense of urgency. Several guys on this roster, coaching staff, and the front office are probably feeling the pressure to win more than ever. Pace could possibly see his team fail to make the playoffs for a fifth time in six seasons. Head coach Matt Nagy has a lot of people questioning his ability to run an actual offense. If it flops again? He might be out.
Mitch Trubisky is fighting for his football life, his 5th-year option declined. Nick Foles lost a ton of respect after a rough outing in Jacksonville last season. Jimmy Graham has people thinking he’s washed up as a tight end. So yeah. Lots of guys are coming into this year with a chip on their shoulder. Will that and a favorable schedule be enough to get this team back to the playoffs? They better hope so.
